Breaking: An experienced Astros outfielder signs a minor league contract with the Angels

May 17, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Yordan Alvarez (44) is congratulated after hitting a home run against the Boston Red Sox in the second inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Angels Sign Longtime Astros Outfielder to Minor League Deal

The Southern California native spent time in three organizations in 2023.

The Los Angeles Angels and journeyman outfielder Jake Marisnick have agreed on a one-year minor league deal.

A native of nearby Riverside, Marisnick played for the Houston Astros from 2014-19. Over the last three years, he’s seen time in six different organizations, having been traded or released five times since July 2021.

The Astros Ink Yordan Alvarez to a Long-Term Extension | FanGraphs Baseball

Last season, Marisnick appeared in 42 games for the Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers, and Los Angeles Dodgers. He slashed .237/.280/.408 and stole two bases in five attempts. He finished the season on the injured list with a strained left hamstring.

Throughout his career, Marisnick has been a reliable defensive outfielder and a quality at-bat during the postseason.

In the 2019 World Series, Marisnick boasted a batting average of .375 with a .819 OPS in seven games against the Washington Nationals.

The Astros Ink Yordan Alvarez to a Long-Term Extension | FanGraphs Baseball

While Angels fans should remember Marisnick for his time with the Astros — including their scandal-plagued 2017-18 seasons — one sour play against the Angels in particular might still be lingering in the minds of fans.

In July 2019, the Angels and Astros were tied in the eighth inning, 10-10. After a Houston sacrifice fly to right field, Marisnick tagged up from third base and wound up colliding with the Angels’ catcher, Jonathan Lucroy, at home plate.

That same day, Marisnick went on and acknowledged that what he did was a bad play and hoped the Lucroy was okay.